Uttar Pradesh Plans to Develop Cruise and Ship Services on 11 Rivers to Boost Water Transportation
UP News: The Uttar Pradesh government is continuously striving to modernize its transportation infrastructure. A plan has been formulated to develop water transportation in the state. In the first phase, water transport services will be launched on 11 rivers. A 761-kilometer route has been identified for this purpose. Various departmental teams are conducting surveys to establish platforms and other amenities at ghats (river banks).
Boosting Water Transportation and Tourism
To efficiently operate water transportation, the state government has established the Uttar Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority. The state has 11 major national waterways, including the Ganga and Yamuna, connecting UP to other states. The government is now initiating work to realize the potential of these waterways for passenger transport and freight carriage.
Survey of 11 Rivers
The government has already developed a waterway on the Ganga River from Prayagraj and Varanasi via Ghazipur to Haldia. There are plans to extend this to Kanpur and Farrukhabad. Furthermore, detailed surveys are being conducted to explore the possibilities of water transport on the Yamuna, Saryu, Ghaghra, Gomti, Chambal, Betwa, Varuna, Karmanasa, Rapti, Mandakini, and Ken rivers.
Joint Initiative of Various Departments
Teams of engineers from the Public Works Department, Tourism and Culture Department, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, and Forest and Environment Department have been entrusted with the survey responsibility. These teams will conduct a detailed study from the source to the confluence of the rivers to determine the feasibility of water transport and identify locations for developing passenger amenities.
Waterways Previously Operational
The Uttar Pradesh Inland Waterways Authority's operational regulations have been approved by the cabinet. Its headquarters is being established in Lucknow. Previously, the waterway from Prayagraj to Haldia was declared a national waterway. Approximately 15 years ago, smaller vessels transported cement from Prayagraj to Kolkata via this route. However, it was discontinued due to low water levels. The government is now working rapidly to revive the waterway, aiming to elevate water transportation and tourism in the state.
